trary, beyond the demonstration
following the call for cheers for the Union there was comparatively
little cheering. The crowd seemed burdened with a heavy sense of
the importance of the occasion. The conduct of the gathering was
serious to the point of positive solemnity.

"The Volunteers from their own ranks policed the grounds, not a
solitary member of the Royal Irish Constabulary being seen in the
enclosure. The sun shone brilliantly as Colonel Wallace led the men
of the North division into the enclosure. Amidst subdued cheers he
marched them across the field in fours, forming up in quarter
column by the right, facing left. For an hour and a quarter the
procession filed through the gates, the men taking up their
positions with perfect movement and not the faintest suggestion of
confusion. As the men from the West took up their position the
crowd broke into a great cheer. They mustered only two battalions,
but they had come from Mr. Devlin's constituency!

"As a body the men were magnificent. The hardy sons of toil from
shipyards and factories marched shoulder to shoulder with clergy
and doctors, professional men and clerks. From the saluting base
General Richardson took command, and almost immediately Sir Edward
Carson took up his position on the platform, with Lord Londonderry
and Captain Craig in attendance. Then followed a scene that will
live long in the memories of that vast concourse of people. With
the men standing to 'Attention,' the bands struck up the 'British
Grenadiers,' and the whole division advanced in review order, in
perfect lines and unison.

"The supreme moment had arrived. The men took off their hats, and
the G.O.C. shouted, 'I call upon the men to give three cheers for
the Union, taking their time from me. Hip, hip----'

"Well, people who were not there must imagine the rest. Out of the
deafening cheers came the strains of 'Rule, Britannia!' from the
bands; the monster Union Jack was unfurled in the centre of the
ground, and the mighty gathering stood bare-headed to 'God save the
King.' It was solemn, impressive, thrilling."[57]

The following day, Sunday, was "Ulster Day," the first anniversary of
the signing of the Covenant, and it was celebrated in Belfast and many
other places in Ulster by holding special services in all plac